25 Biggest Data Breaches Of All Time

Computers and the internet have given way to some of the biggest data breaches of all time. It’s alarming because these technologies are so crucial to our way of life. We read the news on it, check our email, look at the weather, and review our bank statements. They are so essential; the last thing we want to think about is the possibility of them being an unstable security nightmare. Despite increases in security, hackers always seem to find a way in or around the measures. From big box retailers to banks, no target is too big or small for them, and the cost is enormous, resulting in losses reaching the millions. Ready to get a little paranoid about your passwords and bank accounts? Here are 25 biggest data breaches of all time.

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25

US Office of Personnel Management (22 Million Accounts)

Source: http://www.npr.org

In 2015, it was announced the US Office of Personnel Management had a security breach. At first, it was said to be limited to 4 million employees. Later that grew to 22 million employees and their families. Everything from social security numbers to fingerprints was stolen in the hack.

24

Ashley Madison (32 Million Accounts)

Source: http://fortune.com

Ashley Madison, the website that arranges extramarital affairs, was less than thrilled when it discovered 32 million accounts had been hacked. Not only did the hackers take the information, but they released it online, allowing anyone to look up a person’s name to see if they used the site. The result was devastating for families across the country.

23

RSA Security (40 Million Accounts)

Source: https://www.wired.com

One would think cybersecurity companies would be the hardest and least likely places for a hacker to go after, but that’s exactly what they did with RSA Security. Breaching 40 million accounts by tricking an employee with a phishing email (of all things), the hackers did the unthinkable. Fortunately for RSA Security, the hackers didn’t take any sensitive personal information and were able to adjust accordingly.

22

Dropbox (68 Million Users)

Source: https://www.theguardian.com

Dropbox is a popular cloud data storage website used by millions to store pictures, videos, and all kinds of information. In 2012, over 68 million of their users’ emails and passwords were stolen and leaked on the internet.

21

DNC Hack (20,000 Emails)

Source: http://www.cnn.com

During the 2016 US Presidential Election, it was revealed that the DNC had been hacked. The hacker’s identity is still unclear, but many point to Russia or an inside leak. Either way, the release of DNC officials’ emails by Wikileaks proved controversial and devastating for the election. Emails apparently included evidence pointing to DNC favoritism toward Hilary Clinton’s campaign rather than remaining neutral.